Hyderabad: Fares on the Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR), set in the price band of Rs 10 and Rs 60, is more expensive than other modes of public transport such as MMTS trains, RTC buses and shared cabs.
For MMTS trains, the maximum fare is Rs 10 for the general compartment and Rs 100 for the first class compartment. For shared cabs, which are largely used by students, the maximum fare is Rs 50 per head. For RTC buses, the minimum fare is Rs 2 for ordinary buses, Rs 4 for Metro buses, and Rs 5 for Metro liner buses; and the maximum fare is Rs 8 for ordinary buses, Rs 9 for metro buses, and Rs 15 for Metro liner buses.
Though the minimum fare of the HMR is Rs 10, it is more expensive than other modes of transport, especially for shorter distances, because fares are calculated in terms of kilometres. The government wanted the Metro Rail to be affordable so that more people would opt for it. But if two-way fares turn out to be far more than what people are used to shelling out for public transport, then that could prove to be a problem.
K. Sunitha, a bank employee, finds the ticket prices to be quite reasonable. “The fares are much better than the MMTS. Those of us who can walk to the Metro stations will definitely opt for it. Those who stay a little away from the Metro stations can use autos or car-pooling services to get there. They are also offering corporate discounts, which we will avail of.”
Professionals in the corporate sector, students, and businessmen who use cars to travel long distances are expected to make the switch and begin using the Metro Rail. Business studies carried out by Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd and L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Limited have revealed that most passengers insist on comfort and safety while travelling, and they are not especially bothered by the fares. But those with a limited budget for travel are likely to stick to the use of RTC buses and shared cabs.
Rahul Kanwar says, “There is a direct bus from Begumpet to my office in Balanagar. If I opt for the metro, I will have to use another mode of transport to get to the station. This will add to my monthly expenses and also increase the travel time.”
Passengers are comparing the various modes of transport available to them before deciding which ones best suit their needs. A large number of people have to travel from Secunderabad to Hitec City every day, and they are looking forward to being able to use the metro.
